Polk County man charged in sex abuse case involving minor

A Polk County man charged in August after allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female is scheduled to go to trial in December.

James Lee Hohenshell, 44, faces one count of third-degree sex abuse, a Class C felony, and five counts of providing alcohol to a minor, according to documents filed at Polk County District Court. The charges were filed in late August after an alleged Aug. 10 incident at Hohenshell’s house in the 9000 block of Northeast 94th Avenue north of Bondurant.

Hohenshell allegedly had sex with a 13-year-old female, according to court documents. He’s also accused of giving the victim and four other minors alcoholic drinks.

After his arrest, Hohenshell posted a $14,000 bond and was released from the Polk County Jail.

On Monday, Sgt. Brent Long, Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, couldn’t provide further details on the incident leading to Hohenshell’s arrest.

Hohenshell pleaded not guilty to the charges. He’s scheduled to go to trial on the charge on Dec. 4, according to online court records. If found guilty of the Class C felony charge, Hohenshell would face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

West Des Moines attorney Paul Scott, who is representing Hohenshell, declined to comment on details of the alleged incident. The case is in its early stages, but Hohenshell is prepared to stand by the not guilty plea, Scott said.

“He is going to persist in his not guilty plea and intends on vigorously defending himself,” he said. “We’re going to defend this case as vigorously as possible.”

Hohenshell could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Hohenshell is divorced and is required to pay $1,600 a month in child support, according to online court records. The divorce was finalized in September.